No one wanted to miss Rafa Nadal's final farewell a few weeks ago in Málaga. The majority of opinions, both from the Spanish Davis Cup team and from Toni Nadal himself, were quite critical of the organization of that farewell, which they believed was somewhat cold, also due to the early defeat. Contrary to these viewpoints, Tim Henman brings a slightly different perspective on the event that bid farewell to the Spaniard.
"He has retired at the right time after giving so much to this sport," Tim Henman said in a conversation with Eurosport about Nadal's retirement. "It was very special for him to say goodbye in front of his audience in Málaga. I think when it comes to a player's retirement, it's not easy to plan. With the injuries and all the different challenges that Rafa faced and considering the calendar, I think representing your country in the Davis Cup in your home country is something very special."
"I think it was a good farewell. I hope Rafa felt comfortable with it. He has been an absolute icon of our sport, but for the Spanish people, being able to see him one last time at home was very, very special," affirmed the former British player, going against all those criticisms of Nadal's farewell in the past Davis Cup, perhaps focusing more on the tournament itself and not so much on those final words on the court with that somewhat bittersweet celebration.
The right moment to say goodbye
"From the outside, I think it was the right moment. He has given so much to tennis... The sport demands a lot from him physically and mentally, and I don't know if his body could handle it anymore. I think it was a good time to retire and give Rafa time to reflect on the incredible achievements he has made in this sport."
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Henman, sobre la retirada de Nadal: "Era el momento adecuado"